Leading online safety charity, Childnet, have launched the eighth Childnet Film Competition to encourage young people aged 7-18 to create a short film to educate their peers about staying safe online. BBFC Chief Executive David Austin (OBE), will help judge the winners of the competition alongside Joanna van der Meer, Film Tutor and Family Learning Programmer at BFI Southbank; and Catherine McAllister, Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection BBC Children’s.

Every film selected as a runner up will also be given an age rating by the BBFC and awarded a BBFC black card.

With the aim of showcasing how young people can inspire others to make the internet a better place, the competition gives young people the opportunity to harness their creativity and understanding of online safety issues. This year’s theme focuses on how young people can ‘Be the Change’ and make the internet a better and safer place for all.

BBFC Chief Executive David Austin (OBE) said: “We’re proud to once again be involved with the Childnet Film Competition. It gives children and young people the opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas for improving the internet in a fun and creative way. In previous years we’ve judged and age rated entries from across the UK and from children of all ages. Increasingly these children will see BBFC age ratings for film content available online and engaging them in how to make positive decisions about what they watch and what they do on the internet really will empower them to drive positive changes for themselves and others.”

Becky Nancarrow, Education Projects Officer at Childnet, said: “Over the past eight years, hundreds of young people have taken part in our Film Competition, demonstrating their incredible creative skills as well as educating and inspiring their peers about staying safe online. It’s clear to us that young people can be creators of change and help shape a better internet for all.”

Taking partThe Film Competition is split into two age categories and schools or youth organisations must oversee and submit entries on behalf of all participants. Childnet have developed resource packs including storyboard templates, guides to filmmaking and other useful documents to help schools and youth organisations engage and support young people in making their films. The top three films in each category will be invited to a private screening at the BFI in London and the winners will be awarded film kits for their school or youth organisation.

• Primary aged young people (7 – 11) are invited to create a 60 second film in response to the theme: ‘Be the Change – It starts with us’, looking at how young people can work together to make the internet a great and safe place.

• Secondary aged young people (11 – 18) are invited to create a 2 minute film in response to the theme: ‘Be the Change – We’re online for good’, looking at what young people are doing to have a positive effect online.

For both age groups Childnet are looking for creative, imaginative films which reflect a positive and inspiring message. Young people might express their ideas through comedy, animation, or music. They will be encouraged to consider different filmmaking styles such as creating an advert, campaign or documentary.

If you would like to register a group of talented young people you know, then please send an email to film@childnet.com for an information pack. The closing date for entries is Monday 12th June 2017 at 5pm.

Childnet Film CompetitionChildnet’s Film Competition is now in its eighth year. The Film Competition encourages young people aged 7-18 to create a short film to educate their peers about staying safe online. The project engages schools in using new technology for creative and positive uses and equips young people with the skills they need to become confident digital creators. In addition, through the process, the young people create valuable resources to educate their peers about staying safe online and develop their own understanding of what it means to be a good digital citizen.

About BBFCThe BBFC is an independent, private, not-for-profit company which classifies films, video on all physical formats (DVD and Blu-ray Disc for example) and certain video games, and trailers. It also classifies, on a best practice voluntary basis, video content for distribution online. The BBFC operates transparent, well-understood and trusted co-regulatory and self-regulatory classification regimes, such as its digital video service, based on years of expertise and published Classification Guidelines which reflect public opinion and the risk of harm; and is accountable to Parliament.

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